The Hawaiian Islands are home to fascinating history, remnants of which you can find scattered across our breathtaking island, from famous landmarks to little-known historic places. Known as both the Mauna Lani Historic Park and the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park, this fascinating slice of Hawaiian history is nestled on Hawaii Island’s Kohala Coast near Waikoloa. Despite its gorgeous setting and immense history, few people even know this fascinating park exists. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Created by the Mauna Lani Resort & Hotels to preserve and enhance Hawaii’s cultural history found on its grounds, the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park is home to 27 acres of history, including several walking trails open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Tony Quaglietta/Google
According to signage at the park, ancient Hawaiians lived in this area for nearly 800 years before the discovery of Hawaii by the Western world.
Rosa Say/Flickr
Along the park’s one mile trail, you will come across countless remnants of the past, including petroglyphs…
Rosa Say/Flickr
…the remnants of an ancient fishing village…
Rosa Say/Flickr
…a historic lava tube shelter…
Balaji Ganapathy/Google It is said that for 250 years, this lava tube shelter was home to small groups of Hawaiians who worked, cooked, ate, and slept in the shelter. The spacious lava tube provided protection from the wind and rain, and the cave’s flat bottom and cross-ventilation provided by openings towards the rear of the lava tube made this an ideal spot to create a home.
…and several ancient Hawaiian fishponds.
Rosa Say/Flickr
Tony Quaglietta/Google Also found within the park are seven historic fishponds covering 15 acres of surface area, including Kalahuipua’a, Kahinawao, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Hope’ala, Milokukahi, and Manoku. These fishponds were created by ancient Hawaiians in order to raise fish and supplement their ocean fishing efforts. Rumor has it that the fish in these ponds were strictly for consumption by royalty and other persons of rank. It is said that commoners who ate these fish were punished by
Rosa Say/Flickr
But perhaps the best part of this historic park is that, at the end of the one-mile trail through the park, you will arrive at the breathtaking Makaiwa Bay, one of the island’s best snorkeling destinations.
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This truly fascinating park will quickly transport you to the past, and is worth a visit — especially if you’re staying in the area.
Rosa Say/Flickr
Kalahuipua’a Historic Park is located on Hawaii Island’s Kohala Coast, and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Click here for detailed directions. And for another unique slice of history on Hawaii Island, head south to Captain Cook, where you will find Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, most commonly known as the “Place of Refuge.”
Tony Quaglietta/Google
Rosa Say/Flickr
Balaji Ganapathy/Google
It is said that for 250 years, this lava tube shelter was home to small groups of Hawaiians who worked, cooked, ate, and slept in the shelter. The spacious lava tube provided protection from the wind and rain, and the cave’s flat bottom and cross-ventilation provided by openings towards the rear of the lava tube made this an ideal spot to create a home.
Also found within the park are seven historic fishponds covering 15 acres of surface area, including Kalahuipua’a, Kahinawao, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Hope’ala, Milokukahi, and Manoku. These fishponds were created by ancient Hawaiians in order to raise fish and supplement their ocean fishing efforts. Rumor has it that the fish in these ponds were strictly for consumption by royalty and other persons of rank. It is said that commoners who ate these fish were punished by
Troy Mckaskle/Flickr
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